Keod Smith and Kenyatta Gibson, the two MPs whose Cabinet Room fist-fight caused a major embarrassment for the PLP, were reported to have quit their government posts over the weekend.
Keod Smith and Kenyatta Gibson were said by sources close to the PLP to have offered their resignations only if guaranteed nominations for the next general election.
And, it was claimed, they threatened to quit as MPs if not granted their wish, thus possibly triggering two byelections at a time when the government is under fire on several fronts.
The reported “deal” was offered to Prime Minister Perry Christie as a means of breaking an embarassing deadlock which some political observers feel could undermine the government’s election hopes, it was claimed.
Last night, The Tribune was unable to get independent confirmation of the “offer”, but sources insisted the story was true. Another source said: “It seems that at least the resignation part is true. I’m not sure about the reported deal.”
Mr Smith and Mr Gibson have been under heavy pressure to resign as environment ambassador and gaming board chief respectively over the last few days in the wake of their much-publicised Cabinet Room brawl. The pair are said to have come to blows following a meeting of parliamentarians when they began arguing over a property deal they were involved in as attorneys.
Fierce public reaction to the bust-up has left government leaders – especially Mr Christie – wondering about the possible fall-out among voters.
A source told The Tribune last night: “It seems Mr Christie doesn’t want to announce their resignations until he can also announce their replacements.”
The Tribune was unable to contact any of the parties reportedly involved in the discussions. A government source said he had heard nothing about the resignations.
Source: The Tribune
